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The Perfect King

The Life of Edward III

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The Perfect King

By: Ian Mortimer
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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About this listen

From the best-selling author of The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England comes the story of King Edward III, who - like Elizabeth and Victoria after him - embodied the values of his age, forged a nation out of war and remade England. 

Edward’s life is one of the most extraordinary in all English history. He ordered his uncle to be beheaded, he usurped his father’s throne and he started a war which lasted for more than a hundred years. He took the crown when it was at its lowest point and raised it to new heights, presenting himself as a new King Arthur, victorious across Europe. He was the architect of many English icons - from parliamentary rule to the adoption of English as the official language and even the building of a great clock tower at Westminster. Yet behind the strong warrior king was a compassionate, conscientious and often merciful man - resolute yet devoted to his wife, friends and family, and the father of both the English nation and the English people.

©2014 Ian Mortimer (P)2016 Tantor Europe Great Britain Medieval Royalty England Middle Ages War Tudor

Critic reviews

"An excellent biography; entertaining as well as informative." (Daily Telegraph)

"A fascinating portrait. At times, the reader seems almost able to reach across time and touch this man." (The Economist)

"In producing this fine biography, Mortimer has succeeded magnificently, and has gone a long, long way towards restoring Edward III to his proper place as one of the great makers of this nation." (Daily Mail)
All stars
Most relevant
If you listen to the introduction, then you hear the incredible punchline of the whole book in the first few paragraphs. WHY???

Much better to listen to Edward III Biography and ignore the introduction and enjoy the "Blimey ", when you get to it.

Grr...The author gives away the punchline

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Good narrator, engaging story

In this book you get a deep dive on England's greatest King, took me through a range of emotions listening to this book 5*

A must read

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detail from start to finish. brilliantly read, i enjoyed every minute listening to this. Edward the 3rd was the man! and his knights of the garter.

Brilliant, 10/10

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well researched and presented bio. Learnt a lot and have a new perspective. excellent narration

fascinating

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I knew quite a bit about Edward III, but I now know very superficially.
What an amazing 50 year reign this king had. He began our use of St George in England, founded the knights of the Garter, captured vast swathes of French land and even designed bathrooms with hot and cold running water.
Unfortunately a king who appears to have been eclipsed by other lesser kings, due I am sure to the antics of those who came after!
Well worth reading

The Perfect King

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